Despite significant disagreements with police union leaders, I stand with our police force as they drown in a wave of criminal activity since more than 105 officers were laid off during a 2011 bloodletting.

While television crews interviewed Muschal, as well as Councilwomen Phyllis Holly-Ward and Marge Caldwell-Wilson, cameras never found Mayor Mack. Or Mack never discovered enough nerve to stand like a real leader.

Maybe Mack cowered under a Capital Health System bed as reporters snapped questions to Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini. The county’s top law enforcement officer towers above Mack even though they share a similar suit size.

We can decry a cut of our police force, but Trenton residents should scream bloody murder about Mayor Mack remaining in power as he awaits a January 2014 trial on federal charges that include extortion and bribery.

Our diminutive mayor loses stature with each challenge faced by his administration. As Det. Edgar Rios held on for his life, Mayor Mack could not find any words of support for the 30-year police veteran, his family or his fellow officers.

Nothing. Silence. Crickets.

With city police officers and Trenton in the fight of a lifetime against this new breed of criminal unafraid to fire on police, Mack acted like a stowaway, hiding out because impromptu speaking has not proven to be a strong suit.

More police would not have prevented this incident, but just the fact that ex-convict Eric McNeil shot two police officers underscores a fact that Trenton cultivates a dangerous strain of social delinquents.

My disagreements with police union leaders never clouds support for police officers, who boot up daily with their intent to protect and serve. Their safety matters because without their bravery, this city would have fallen into the hands of thieves, drug dealers and gang bangers.

Their well-being matters because when shifts end police officers head home to be fathers, mothers, husbands, wives as well as sons and daughters. Sure, police officers remain on duty 24-7, but their down time offers opportunities to share precious moments with people who know the risks of law enforcement duty.

The city landscape tilts toward criminals as state officials debate whether Trenton deserves funding to push back against a serious uptick in shootings (150) and a near-record 29 murders, just two off the all-time 2005 mark.

While Acting Attorney General John Hoffman headlined a press conference at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, which our mayor did not attend, Mack sneaked onto the Hobart Avenue crime scene.

Sure, show up after all reporters, cameras, and media members have moved onto an important press conference regarding a state AG office initiative of warrant sweeps and tougher correction roads for criminals who carry weapons.

State officials said Trenton residents can expect to see more police officers on our streets, using high-visibility as a means to suppress crime.

Mack, meanwhile, remains an artful dodger, unable to stand tall during a time when Trenton both needs and deserves a strong leader. However, with Gov. Chris Christie saying that he will not deal with the “indicted mayor of Trenton.” Mack has acheived figurehead status as law enforcement agencies work around him.

The incredible shrinking Mayor Tony Mack has almost reached invisible status, literally a non-factor during this city’s most significant period since the Battle of Trenton.

Seven hours after McNeill gunned down Det. James Letts and Rios, Harris had not delivered a statement from Mayor Mack.

Next week this nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Another Dr. King view correctly gauged manhood.

King said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

For Mayor Tony Mack it’s a small, smaller world.

— L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com.